Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., has appointed Karen Holt, associate professor and criminologist in MSU’s School of Criminal Justice, and Aaron Schroeder, detective sergeant with the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety, to the university’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct, or RVSM, Expert Advisory Workgroup.
Holt and Schroeder bring complementary perspectives grounded in research on sexual offending and sexually motivated violence and experience conducting trauma-informed, survivor-centered investigations.
“Keeping our students, faculty and staff safe requires that we bring the best available research and real-world experience to the table, and Karen and Aaron do exactly that,” Guskiewicz said. “This workgroup has been an important part of how we improve prevention, our university processes and also our own accountability in our efforts to prevent and respond to relationship violence and sexual misconduct. These appointments reflect our continued commitment to that work.”
Established in 2018, the RVSM Expert Advisory Workgroup brings together faculty, pract
itioners and university leaders with expertise in prevention, survivor services, policy, research and institutional response. Members advise the president and university leadership on emerging research, best practices and solutions to strengthen MSU’s approach to RVSM.
The workgroup’s early recommendations contributed to expanded prevention programming, increased advocacy and counseling support, improved coordination among campus offices, and trauma-informed guidance for engaging survivors.
The workgroup later developed MSU’s five-year RVSM Strategic Plan, a university-wide roadmap focused on improving survivor services, strengthening prevention and education, increasing help-seeking, and building a more trauma-informed campus culture. More than 90% of the plan’s initiatives were completed during its original five-year cycle.
It also has guided MSU’s Know More Campus Surveys, conducted in 2019, 2022 and 2025. Survey findings help MSU identify gaps, evaluate progress and inform university policies, programs and resources.
Connecting research with practice
Holt’s research focuses on sexual offending and sexually motivated violence. She collaborates with law enforcement, legal professionals, corrections personnel, advocates and community organizations to translate research findings into policy and practice.
“My research is driven by the goal of preventing sexual violence and ensuring there are no more victims,” Holt said. “I look forward to working alongside colleagues from across the university to apply research in ways that strengthen prevention, inform policy and improve support for survivors.”
Holt earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology from DeSales University and a master’s degree in forensic psychology and criminal justice and a doctorate in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Schroeder supervises the Special Victims Unit within MSU DPPS’s Investigative Division. The unit provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered investigative services in cases involving RVSM, child and vulnerable adult abuse, hate crimes and missing persons.
Schroeder joined MSU DPPS as a patrol officer in 2016 before becoming a Special Victims Unit detective. His experience includes human-centered investigations, mental health crisis response and behavioral threat assessment. He also has worked to strengthen trust between law enforcement and marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+ Spartans.
A two-time MSU graduate, Schroeder holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in clinical social work.
“Effective investigations require more than gathering physical evidence. They require empathetic listening, building a genuine human connection and understanding how trauma can shape a person’s experience,” Schroeder said. “I am honored to contribute to a group committed to strengthening prevention, accountability and support across the MSU community.”
Guiding MSU’s next phase of work
The appointments come as MSU reviews findings from the 2025 Know More Campus Survey and considers the next phase of its RVSM strategy.
The workgroup, chaired by Carrie Moylan, director of MSU’s School of Social Work, continues to review research and campus data, assess emerging needs and recommend improvements to university policies, prevention programs and survivor services.
Holt and Schroeder join a workgroup whose members bring wide-ranging expertise to MSU's RVSM efforts, spanning survivor services and clinical social work, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, prevention programming and education, and legal and Title IX compliance. That breadth of perspective — clinical, legal, research-based and community-facing — allows the workgroup to examine RVSM prevention and response from multiple angles, ensuring recommendations reflect both the lived experience of survivors and the practical realities of policy and enforcement.
“Karen’s research background and Aaron’s investigative experience will make our conversations stronger and our recommendations more practical,” Moylan said. “Their appointments add valuable perspectives as we consider the university’s next phase of work.”
The workgroup’s efforts also complement MSU’s Institutional Assessment and Responsive Action, an independent evaluation of the university’s culture, structures and policies related to RVSM. Together, these efforts will inform MSU’s ongoing work to prevent harm, support survivors and strengthen institutional accountability.
